The Nature of Theory in Information Systems by

The Nature of Theory in Information Systems by Shirley Gregor The Australian National University Presented by Chichang Jou Tamkang University

Outline • • Why is this topic important Different perspectives on theory Classifying theory in information systems Five types of theory in information systems Interrelationships among theory types Questions and discussions Conclusions 2

Why is this topic important • Epistemology (認識論、知識論) – http: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Epistemology – http: //zh. wikipedia. org/wiki/%E 7%9 F%A 5%E 8%AF %86%E 8%AE%BA 3

Questions about the bodies of knowledge or theories encompassed in a theory: 4

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Perspectives on theory • Theories as abstract entities that aim to describe, explain and enhance understanding of the world and, in some cases, to provide predictions of what will happen in the future and to give a basis for intervention and action • Three perspectives – Generalization – Causality – Explanation and Prediction 6

Generalization Theories can be classified by their level of generalization. Not used in this paper as a primary characteristic for distinguishing theory types 7

Causality - 1 8

Causality - 2 9

Explanation and Prediction -1 10

Explanation and Prediction - 2 In this paper, distinction between the goals of explanation and prediction is central for distinguishing theory types 11

Classifying theory in information systems The four primary goals of theory discerned are: 12

Classifying theory in information systems 13

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